Tips to Winterize Your Home in North Canton, Ohio

1/3/2020 (Permalink)

Winterize your home to prevent water damage and mold growth to your home from winter storms in North Canton, Ohio.

Strong winds, snow, rain and ice can take a toll on a home and winter temperatures can also freeze pipes. During the winter season damage from anyone of these can damage property by allowing moisture to enter a property and cause water damage and mold growth. Because winter temperatures and weather-related storms can be so hard on a house, it’s important to take steps to prepare for the season and prevent problems occurring.

The following steps can help protect your home from winter weather water damage and mold growth:

1. This includes insulating any exposed pipes and evaluate the homes attic, basement or crawlspace to see if it needs more insulation. This is also a good time to check to see if there is any water damage to these areas from existing leaks.
2. Be sure the attic as well ventilated.
3. Turn off the water to exterior hose spigots and if possible, cover the outside waterlines or spigots.
4. Shut off and drain the outside yards irrigation system.
5. Clean gutters and drown spout to make sure water drain properly and to minimize the risk of ice dam.
6. Make sure water drains away from the home.
7. Check to make sure all fireplaces are working properly and or not obstructed.
8. Caulk around windows, doors and other openings.
9. Fix any cracks or holes in the foundation.
10. Check for drafts. Add weatherstripping to the drafted areas where it’s worn or missing.
11. Have your heating system inspected before it is needed to make sure it is working properly and that there are no carbon monoxide leaks. This is also a good time to change your air filter and inspect for any debris in your air ducks.
12. Check the roof flashing, chimney, siding and skylights for any signs of damage.
13. Trim back any branches that could cause damage to the house during the winter storm.

If moisture does enter the home, mold has the potential to begin to grow. Under certain conditions it can begin to grow in as short as 24 to 48 hours. It is important to clean and dry any materials that become wet. If mold is found it can sometimes be removed from non-porous areas, but if it grows on porous materials it may have to be replaced.  Removing these materials in properly could spread the mold throughout a house. Calling a water and mold clean up and restoration company can help prevent the spreading of mold growth. The crews at SERVPRO of South & East Stark County have crews that are highly trained and IICRC certified in water and mold cleanup. Call us today at 330-823-3088.